I never got the big deal about periods. Since my first period at the age of 11, I found it little more than a minor inconvenience. OK, sure, sometimes it surprised me or caused a small mess. Sometimes I had a few minor cramps. But, for the most part, my period was largely a non-issue.
After more than two decades of periods, I thought I knew what was up. I thought I was forever one of the lucky ones who just doesn’t have bad PMS or a heavy flow. I thought my body was my body and it would stay the same forever. Right?
WRONG.
Enter childbirth.
After the birth of my second child, I found myself having a completely different experience with dear Aunt Flo. This change in our relationship was not one I was too thrilled about, either. After 15 glorious months of period-free bliss, it came back hard and heavy. I wasn't prepared for what has become my new normal.
My flow was a gusher
I was used to a light and steady flow. Nothing a regular tampon couldn’t handle for its full recommended amount of time. Suddenly, I found myself pretty much hemorrhaging on days one and two. Forget regular tampons, I was bleeding through a super plus and doubling up with a pad so thick it felt like a diaper.
I was an emotional basket-case
Having never really felt like my time of month affected my mood, I am now a mess in the days leading up to my period. It took me quite a while to notice a correlation between my monthly meltdowns and my menstrual cycle, but the period emotions now hit me like a truck.
Tampons hurt
Whether it was that year of not wearing them or the fact that I now have pushed two very large babies through that same small area, tampons are super uncomfortable for me.
After a bit of internet research and a quick conversation with my OB-GYN, I found that my situation is not at all uncommon. A lot of women experience heavier, longer, and more painful periods after childbirth due to the larger uterine cavity that causes more endometrium — the lining of the uterus that is shed during menstruation. However, some lucky ladies find that their periods become lighter and improved after they have kids.
Whatever your case may be, one thing is for sure: Your period, much like your body, is forever changing.
